Why Creativity is an Act of Love

SHARE THIS POST

The real purpose of creativity is not about expressing yourself.
Every brushstroke, every melody, every story arc—at its core—is not about showcasing your talent.
Naturally, talent is required, but the purpose of your creativity is to love others through your talents.

This is the truth you won’t hear at art schools, film schools, or dance schools.
But if you want to experience true creative freedom, you need to incorporate this into your creative life and creative process.
Why do we see art this way? There are several essential truths that lead us to this conclusion.

Watch the video here:

Free Artist’s Calling Masterclass HERE

Join our Catalyst Program HERE

To get our FREE weekly devotion for artists and receive our weekly e-news CLICK HERE

SHARE THIS POST

6 comments on “Why Creativity is an Act of Love”

Troy Manning July 30, 2025 Reply

Hi Joel,
Thank you for your message. I found it helpful in setting forth another element that Christians should be mindful of in their creative endeavors. I’m not sure I fully followed what you were getting at with the “Is it art?” questions for works that don’t incorporate love or intentional communication in their aspirations though. It seems to me there are lots of artists holding the attitude that they create works that are pleasing to themselves & assume (correctly I think) that if they appeal to them they’ll also appeal to many others. Self-expression also seems to be a primary component of many artworks. I agree the Christian artist should aspire to more. I’m inclined to answer yes though to the question of whether many highly self-indulgent works qualify as art. I think of Francis Schafer’s remarks about Henry Miller being a skilled writer whose works will soil you. Art is seldom if ever morally neutral & I believe Christian artists should aspire to moral excellence, but I do believe in the existence of immoral, self-indulgent “art.”
- Joel Pelsue July 30, 2025 Reply
  
  Troy,
  
  Great points.
  I resisted the temptation to do a rabbit trail about this, but it could use more clarifications.
  In truth, for Christians, even if your art is never shared with anyone else, it is still something God, the audience of one, sees and recognizes.
  
  I was using the definition of art as communication, which I find helps people get out of the “art for art’s sake” idea which is untrue and unhelpful. Art has a higher purpose. It also gets impressionable artists out of the “It’s all about my personal experience and expressiveness.” Personal expression is essential and part of what makes it unique, to be sure. But the point of art is more than vomiting up your undesirable emotions, or expressing your own story. That is a starting point, not the focus.
Troy Manning July 30, 2025 Reply

Again, thank you for your encouraging & helpful message. I do realize the intent of it wasn’t to provide a definition of art.
- Joel Pelsue July 30, 2025 Reply
  
  My pleasure.
  
  You can see my other comment for a bit more clarity on my approach.
  Thank you for taking time to comment.
Leonardo Ramirez August 3, 2025 Reply

What a beautiful reminder and timely as well Joel! As artists, we do make the mistake of thinking our creative talents are for us to be fulfilled but that fulfillment comes in our expression of love towards God and others through those gifts. Thanks for all you do Joel!
- Joel Pelsue August 18, 2025 Reply
  
  My pleasure, brother!

Arts & Entertainment Ministries

Equipping Christians in the Arts, Media and Entertainment

Why Creativity is an Act of Love

SHARE THIS POST